She adopted his nickname, ‘Fletch,’ a term of endearment Keriya had used. At first he considered being indignant at Seba’s appropriation of the term, but he found that he’d changed, too. The princess had once been rude and obstinate, yet now . . . now Seba was Fletcher’s only friend in the world.
He did his best to protect her, but his good intentions got them into trouble. One day, when Seba stumbled as they toiled up the slope, Fletcher took her crate of volt crystals and shouldered it.
“Thanks, Fletch,” she wheezed.
“You two!” A sharp voice pierced the air. Craning his neck, Fletcher saw a shadowman materializing on the steps behind them. The demon beckoned and they went to him meekly. It would be foolish to resist. Resistance was met with punishment.
“You are not to interact with o
